FAQ - Dog Behavior

Yes. MVHS has Behavior and Training Staff to assist with behavior issues. You can call our Behavior Helpline at 952-894-5000 ex 37.  We also have numerous fact sheets available in our online library.

Research indicates that a dog can understand play and not turn suddenly aggressive from a game. If your dog is already possessive of toys, tug-of-war should not be an option. For most dogs, however, tug is a great game, if you play by the rules.

1. You start the game. Ignore your dog if he tries to bully you into playing
2. When you ask for the dog to release the toy, he does so. If he refuses, drop the toy and walk away. Game over.
3. If your dog EVER – even accidentally – puts his teeth on your skin or clothing, the game ends. Drop the toy and walk away, no exceptions.
4. Don’t tug harder than your dog tugs on the toy. With these rules, tug is a safe and fun energy- burning game for both of you.

Take a training class such as our Canine U Better Dog 1 manners class.  Regardless of how many dogs you've owned or how much experience you've got - there is always more to learn.  A training class is a great place to get coaching, advice, practice your skills, and get new ideas.  Dedicating the time for a class also helps insure you actually make the time to practice with your dog - and just like every other skill, practice makes perfect! 

Tools such as the Gentle Leader® Headcollar and the Easy Walk Harness® can aid in walking large and energetic dogs, but training a dog to walk nice on the leash with treats given only when the dog is paying attention to the walker and not pulling or jumping speeds up the process. Also make sure to stop and ask for a SIT when your dog pulls, or turns around and goes the other direction. These two techniques prevent the dog from forging ahead, which is what is motivating the dog to pull in the first place. The strong drive to forge ahead and sniff and explore outweighs the restrictive choking of the collar, so many dogs continue to pull as long as they are allowed to move forward. Don’t hurt your dog, just change direction and continue to be consistent with training.

You might want to attend our free Dog Walker Class. Check the website for details.

You don’t have to use food to train your dog, but it is one of the easiest, quickest and most humane ways of training because it is such a powerful motivator. If you supply this most basic need to your dog, who is an opportunistic feeder, you will get much more attention more quickly than just praise alone and he become very attentive in your presence.

Positive reinforcement is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Over time you will be able to ask him to do many things without a treat, but you should give him treats intermittently to maintain attention and good behavior. You have to feed your dog every day anyway, so why not make it more interesting and fun for both of you? Of course food is not the only thing dogs like, so don’t forget about praise and petting, or playing, or special toys. Maybe even a car ride or some dog play. Anything a dog values can be used in training as a reward.

The sooner the better! Most veterinarians recommend that the puppy have one or two of the puppy shots before entering class. Therefore, most puppies can start Puppy Kindergarten at 8-12 weeks! A puppy class should have off-leash time for puppy play for maximum socialization. If your dog is older, say six months to 10 years, he is ready for a basic manners class. It is never too late to begin learning! In addition to learning new skills, training classes help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. To choose a training school that is right for you, see our “How to Choose a training School” handout.

A training class will give you the tools you need to use at home to get your dog to behave and listen to you. A trainer can give you an objective opinion when they see you working with your dog on how you train and what your dog is learning from you. A good trainer can also help you solve problems successfully and humanely.

You also have the opportunity to meet other people with dogs who might be having the same problems as you. Training class can help keep your dog socialized. An isolated dog is a fearful dog. You may even meet a perfect playmate for your dog, where he can get his energy out in his own backyard if his new doggy friend comes over to play.

Certainly not! Dogs, like many species, are able to learn throughout their lifetime. It is never too late to help a dog learn new behaviors. However, just as with people, dogs are creatures of habit and can get “set in their ways” as they get older, so training may take a little more time than training a puppy, for whom everything is new and different. If you’ve ever gone back to school or taken up a new activity in your adult life, you know you can succeed with time, especially with the rewards it will bring, so go slow and reward your dog as she learns the things you want her to learn.